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Types of credit card rewards and how to earn them

Credit cards come with their own advantages and disadvantages, depending on how you use it. For instance, if you use your credit cards to spend more than what you can afford, you’ll likely be stuck with a lot of debt that will accumulate over the months or years. However, if you responsibly use your credit card, it can bring in a lot of value without hampering your habits and routine. One way a credit card can help is through credit card rewards.

There are a bunch of credit card rewards that give consumers a great opportunity to avail benefits, such as miles, points, or cashback offers. If you have the perfect credit card rewards, you’ll be able to save more and get benefits like free travel, surplus spending money, and a lot more.

How can one earn rewards with credit cards?

To tell you the truth, not every credit card that you find out there will give you the rewards incentive. For instance, there are cards that are there to help you build your credit history, while there are others that give you an option to pay for your debt at zero interest. For those who have a credit card that fetches them good rewards, here are some ways in which maximum value can be derived.

Day-to-day spending
There are credit cards that offer rewards in the form of miles, cashback, or the points on your daily purchases. In some cases, the rewards rate will be the same across all purchases, while others will give you additional rewards on a few spending categories. Moreover, if you link an authentic user with your account, you can generate more rewards from the purchases that they make.
One-time bonus
A lot of credit cards have an incredible scheme of a one-time bonus, which you can get as an incentive to avail of a particular type or brand of a credit card. Now, the value of the bonus that you get will depend on the type of card that you have. It could be anything between a few dollars to maybe $1000, or at times even more. However, to avail this bonus, you’ll have to meet the bank’s criteria of minimum spending limit in the stipulated period.
Annual bonuses
There are also credit cards that give you annual bonuses on the renewal of your card. It could either be a flat amount or could be a percentage of your last year’s spending.
Structure of the rewards programs
Most credit cards have a similar structure for their rewards program. It could be either one of the three listed below:
Rotating rewards : There are only some credit cards that follow this structure of rewards. In this reward program, you’ll get rewards on a few specific categories only, and the rewards on them are also capped. However, the categories on which you get the rewards keep changing every few months. It is a perfect card for somebody who spends on a lot of different things, and their spending is in sync with the rotating categories of the card.

Tiered rewards : Just like the rotating rewards, these, too, offer rewards and bonuses on certain specific categories. Some of the categories wherein you might get bonus rewards include restaurant spending, gas, groceries, etc. However, when you spend on non-bonus categories, you’ll receive a base rate reward. Now, whether the card has a capping or not, would vary from one card to another. The credit cards with tiered rewards are perfect for the cardholders that prefer to spend in either one or two categories where they could avail good bonus rewards.

Flat-rate rewards : On this type of credit card, you’ll get a reward at a flat-rate on your all purchases. Such cards are ideal for those card owners who like simplicity and have no particular area where they usually spend their money.

Amongst these three different types of programs for rewards, there’s no perfect way to determine which one would work best for you. It is only you who can decide whether the card will bring you enough rewards or not. For deciding this, you should consider your preferences and spending habits.

For those credit card owners who are okay with a little complex reward structure and need higher rewards, a rotating or a tiered rewards program would be the best. However, if you are a spender who does not wish to spend a lot of time deciding on the type of credit card you should get for yourself, you should play safe and get yourself a credit card with a flat-rate reward system.

Types of credit cards rewards

The credit card rewards that you get are important in helping you decide the type of credit card you need. However, more than the rewards, you should look for the type of rewards you get. In general, the rewards on your credit card can be of two types – travel and cashback. Here is everything you should know about both of them.

Cashback cards
As is evident from the name, a credit card that fetches you rewards in the form of straight cash is known as a cashback credit card. Though the redemption method of cards can vary, typically, you can employ these credit card rewards as a statement credit, paper check, or a direct deposit. There will also be a few credit cards that will give you a chance to utilize your cashback reward to shop online, buy a gift card, shop for merchandise, use for booking your travel, amongst other things.

There are also a few types of cards under this that would require you to accumulate a certain amount of cashback points to redeem them. The cards that do have this scheme will need you to have at least $25 or $20 for redemption. Also, one excellent thing about this type of credit card is that there’s no annual fee. Moreover, a lot of them also come with an introductory promotion offer of 0% APR on your bank transfer, purchases, or even both at times. Sounds great, right? Well, it certainly is.

But in all honesty, the cashback cards will offer you the same number of perks as those credit cards that give you travel-based rewards. With them, even the sign-up rewards are usually between $100 and $300. All said and done, the cashback points are ideal for those who like zero complexity of rewards in the form of the cashback, and are okay to settle with fewer rewards in exchange for zero annual fees.

Travel rewards cards

When it comes to credit cards that fetch you travel rewards, you can use the rewards to book free travel. Some credit card companies might regard these as travel points, while others would say travel miles. Largely, they both mean the same. The miles primarily include travel benefits, which are beneficial for frequent flyers. However, Southwest Airlines and JetBlue Airways use the word points to refer to their rewards. Though points are the more common and accepted term, there are a few card companies that prefer calling it miles.

Also, unlike the cashback cards, your travel cards will have a yearly fee. However, almost all of them give substantial sign-up rewards that can be equivalent to hundreds of dollars, at times even higher than $1000. Travel rewards cards (TRC) can be divided into three different categories. Let’s understand them one by one.

General TRC
In the general TRC, there’s no association with a particular hotel, airline, or travel brand. So, the miles or the points that you’ll earn would depend on the rewards program of the card issuer. Everything here depends on the card that’s been chosen by you. Listed below are some of the rewards that you might get with a general TRC:

Travel bookings made via the card issuer: There are a few card issuers who tend to have their platform for booking, which works similar to travel platforms such as Orbitz and Expedia. So, as part of this deal, you have a chance to utilize your reward points to make the travel bookings using the rewards account. It is a great and highly simplified redemption process. However, in this case, you might only have a limited choice. So, consequently, it might not be easy for you to get yourself the best deal.

Travel bookings made via the third-party merchants: Using this alternative, you have an option to utilize your credit cards to book your travels via a third-party travel merchant. On the merchant’s portal, you can utilize your miles or points to get a full or partial credit against your travel transaction. Utilizing an option like this entitles you to an improved chance of not only getting the best travel deal but also shopping around for better and more competitive travel prices.

Transfer of rewards to different programs related to travel: There are certain programs that let you transfer the travel miles or points to a different rewards program, maybe with a hotel or an airline. Using this, you have an additional choice to get a requisite redemption on your travel plans.

In general, the travel rewards program tends to have a stipulated value assigned towards the reward currency, which is either one mile or point. However, at times it could be lesser or even higher than that. Of course, it simplifies everything for a customer. However, it does limit the value you get from your credit card. Though general cards do not necessarily offer the hotel or the airline-specific perk, they do offer a bunch of other benefits, like complimentary lounge access at airports, statement credits for travel, different travel insurance covers, and a lot of other things.

Airline credit cards
The next type of TRC includes airline credit cards. If you have an airline co-branded card, you can accumulate the miles or the points with a particular flyer program. These come with a dynamic structure of pricing. It implies that the actual value you get out of your miles or the points are based on your method of redemption and the time you use the points.
So, valuation could be based on flight dates, fare class, destination cities, departure, cost of your ticket, among the other things. Yes, it is a bit more complex than general TRC. But you can certainly squeeze in a higher value, if you pick the right strategy for redemption.

One should be aware that airline cards do not get you as many options as you could get in general TRC. But given the higher value it fetches you, they are certainly desirable. In addition to the rewards program, with this card, you can also get some specific airline-related perks. These include Priority boarding, Lounge access, Companion passes, Free check-in for bags, and Several discounts in flight. Those of you who have a fixed loyalty towards a particular airline, getting a co-branded credit card will certainly bring you great value. It’s value will increase with every flight that you take.
Hotel TRC

The hotel TRC is more or less similar to the airline TRC. They, too, are co-branded along with a particular chain of hotels. So, this means that you’ll earn points from the particular chain of hotels. You can later redeem these points and get yourself free stays. Again, the value of the points will depend on a bunch of factors, such as the price of the room, your stay dates, the hotel property, among other things.

In addition to the rewards program, a few hotel TRC also give you an elite status or a free stay on special occasions, like birthdays or anniversaries. Of course, the cost of the stay is limited. It is certainly higher than the annual fee of the card, making it more lucrative for you to hold onto this card, despite it not being your primary mode of payment.

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Deep Vein Thrombosis – Diagnosis And Treatment

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An Overview Of Cla Safflower Oil

An overview of CLA safflower oil CLA stands for conjugated linoleic acid. It is high in good fats, i.e., monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats. According to the National Institutes of Health, typically, CLA is found in foods like beef and dairy. However, it can also be found in small quantities in vegetable oils. Safflower oil is a oil produced from the seeds of a safflower plant; thus, it is a vegetable oil. Safflower plant is about 30 to 150 cm in height and each branch of the plant has about one to five flower heads with 15-20 seeds per head from which the oil is extracted. The plant is found in Kazakhstan as well as India, the USA, Mexico, and Argentina. Below is some information about CLA safflower oil. What are the advantages of using CLA safflower oil? The CLA safflower oil is a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids, namely, polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats. These fats, commonly known as good fats, are required by the body to function well. The CLA safflower oil helps in improving memory and aids hormone regulation. This oil allows the body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin K, E, D, and A. CLA safflower oil reduces inflammation in the body and also improves general health. It is a good way to regulate blood sugar levels in the body. Regular intake of CLA safflower oil improves blood cholesterol levels, thereby, reducing the chances of any kind of heart diseases. It contains vitamin E, which is great for skin issues like dry skin or even inflamed skin. However, you must perform a patch test before applying the oil all over the skin. How do you use CLA safflower oil in diet? The moderate use of safflower oil in your food will improve your metabolic rate, thereby, reducing your weight. The proportion of safflower oil intake would be dependent on weight-loss calorie requirement. For instance, a woman who needs to have 1200 calories daily would need 4 teaspoons of the CLA safflower oil. Men who are on a diet and need to consume 1600 calories would need 5 teaspoons of it. What are the side effects of CLA safflower oil? Most often people do not face any side effects from this oil if it is consumed or applied in recommended proportions. CLA safflower oil thins the blood so it could slow down clotting and could increase the chances of bleeding for those who have bleeding disorders or are undergoing some sort of surgery. People allergic to ragweed or pollen should not consume this oil as it could lead to an allergic reaction. Pregnant women should avoid it. Which are the best safflower oils of the year? As per CLA safflower oil reviews, the following brands have made the list of favorites among consumers this year: Renewalize Organic Safflower Oil – This is a USDA-certified brand and it is high in oleic acid. Renewalize Organic Safflower Oil is extracted using the cold pressed method that allows it to have a high amount of oleic acid, which is great for hair growth. Hollywood Safflower Oil – This is a great oil for cooking. It is the best when it comes to light heat cooking. The Hollywood Safflower Oil is available in a pack of one, three, or twelve, and it works well for pasta and as a drizzle over appetizers. It is good for cake mixes as well. Eden Unrefined – This brand of CLA safflower oil is organic and kosher, and it only has safflower oil. It works well for acne-prone skin and for cooking too. Dr. Adorable One Gallon – If you want to use CLA safflower oil especially for body massages, then this brand works beautifully as it blends well. You can take a generous quantity and apply it all over the body. It has no noticeable smell. However, this oil should be only used for external purposes. Spectrum Naturals High Heat – This brand produces the perfect CLA safflower oil for cooking. It has a smooth flavor that is ideal for cooking. The Spectrum Naturals High Heat does not have any artificial coloring, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and other common allergens. It is much lighter than other oils, such as olive oil.

Top 10 Health Benefits Of Safflower Oil

Top 10 health benefits of safflower oil Safflower oil is an oil that is extracted from the seeds of the safflower. CLA stands for conjugated linoleic acid. CLA is a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid. The CLA safflower oil has a number of health benefits; hence, it is being used as medicine by many people. CLA safflower oil can be used for treating a number of health issues and it is also used as a cooking oil. Continue reading if you wish to know more about the amazing health benefits of safflower oil, its side effects, and more. What are the health benefits of safflower oil? It is believed that safflower oil helps in boosting the immune system. This oil has properties that can protect the body from any kind of infections and it is considered to boost immune health. The CLA safflower oil is good for your heart’s health. When you are having heart-related health issues, your doctor will usually suggest you maintain a balanced diet, and it is important to keep it natural. Safflower oil is a natural oil that has omega-6 fatty acids, which are good for a healthy heart. The cholesterol levels of the body are also maintained using this oil. CLA safflower oil helps in losing weight. Shedding those extra pounds is not a simple task and you need to do a lot more along with exercise. Safflower oil is very good for healthy and shiny hair. If you are having dull, damaged, and dry hair, then this oil can be very helpful. Just massage a few drops of this oil into your scalp and it would increase the blood circulation in your scalp resulting in strong hair. When you have strong hair, why not have flawless skin? Yes, there are a number of products available in the market for flawless skin, but how many of them guarantee long-lasting results? Safflower oil can do that for you. You can check the CLA safflower oil reviews for skin and you will find the best reviews about this oil. It is good for joint pains as well. Massaging is one of the best ways to get rid of joint pains and massaging with safflower oil is a good option for better results. Diabetes is a health condition that needs to be treated with the right medicine. According to many studies, the omega-6 fatty acids are considered as the best option for controlling sugar levels in the body. It is also good for treating a migraine headache. Any health problems related to respiration can be treated using this oil. Menstrual pain and cramps in women can be treated with the help of this oil. Are there any side effects of safflower oil? There are no side effects of using safflower oil when used in moderation. This oil is strong and can cause irritation, so do not use it directly. You need to dilute with any carrier oil before you actually use it. What is the dosage of safflower oil that is good for your health? The dosage of CLA safflower oil usually depends on what kind of health issue you are treating. If you are using it to help reduce weight, then you can use it as cooking oil for at least six weeks. For this, you should consume at least one and a half teaspoons of this oil on a daily basis. How should safflower oil be stored for better results? Safflower has to be stored always in a dark place in an airtight container. Safflower oil can be kept in the refrigerator. In order to reduce the chances of oxidation, you should make sure that minimal air and light reaches the containers in which the oil is stored. You need to use the oil in just one or two months after you open the packing or oil tin.

An Overview Of Colon Polyps

An overview of colon polyps Colon polyps are small clumps of cells formed on the lining of the colon. The majority of these polyps tend to be harmless, but with time, there are certain polyps that can easily grow into colon cancer. This is a serious condition, especially when found in the later stages. Almost any individual can develop colon polyps. People who are over 50 years of age are at an increased risk of suffering from this condition. Even smokers and overweight individuals or people with a family or personal history of colon polyps might be at an increased risk of suffering from this condition. Colon polyps – causes are slightly known, but this condition rarely causes any symptoms. Therefore, for individuals who are at risk of developing the condition, it is important to have screening tests on a regular basis. These will include a colonoscopy. Polyps found in the early stages can conveniently be removed. They can be removed completely in a very safe manner. Regular screening is the best step for the prevention of colon polyps. What are the colon polyps – causes? Doctors do not exactly know the causes of colon polyps, but they are of the view that polyps are a result of abnormal tissue growth. The human body develops healthy cells in a periodic manner, thus replacing the old cells that tend to be damaged or are no longer required. The division and growth of these new cells is regulated. However, there are cases when the new cells develop and then divide before they are actually needed. It is this excessive growth that results in polyps. Packaged red meat is also one of the most common colon polyps – causes. Fiber deficiency in the body. High-fat diet taken in excessive amounts. Smoking cigarettes. Obesity is also one of the major colon polyps – causes. Inherited conditions such as Gardener syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis, and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome might also put an individual at an increased risk of having colon polyps. What signs and symptoms do colon polyps show? Majority of the individuals suffering from colon polyps do not show any symptoms. They are actually unaware of the fact that they have polyps, because they feel very well. Bleeding from the rectum is one of the most common symptoms of colon polyps. Blood in the stool can also be a sign of colon polyps. Blood might make stool look black, or there can be red streaks in stool. A feeling of tiredness due to anemia and not having sufficient iron in the body are common symptoms. It is the bleeding from the polyps that can result in an iron deficiency and anemia. Several other health issues might also result in these signs. Nevertheless, if rectum bleeding or blood in the stool are everyday phenomena, a consultation with a doctor is vital. How can colon polyps be prevented? Knowing the colon polyps – causes can help prevent the condition. However, there are other important steps that can be followed in trying to prevent this condition. They are as listed: Regular screenings. Lifestyle changes can also be of help in doing away with the colon polyps – causes, and, consequently, prevent them. Adopting healthy habits such as eating fruits, whole grains, and vegetables and reducing fat intake can help in the prevention of colon polyps. Limiting the intake of alcohol and quitting tobacco. Staying active physically and maintaining a healthy body weight is also important. When should one see a doctor? A general physician must be consulted in case of the following: Blood in the stool Abdominal pain Changes in bowel habits for more than a week It is important for one to have a word with their physician regarding their intake of vitamin D and calcium. This is because studies have proved that increasing the intake of food items rich in vitamin D and calcium can help prevent the recurrence of polyps. However, this is not completely clear. It is important to consider all the options, especially if one is at a very high risk of suffering from colon polyps.

The Types Of Colon Polyps And Their Prevention

The types of colon polyps and their prevention Growths that occur on the inner lining of the colon (large intestine) and usually protrude into the colon are known as colon polyps. They form when the genetic material within the cells that line the colon changes and becomes abnormal. Under normal circumstances, the immature cells that line the colon multiply, mature, and then die in a timely fashion. On the other hand, the genetic changes in the lining cells prevent the cells from maturing, and they don’t die. Resultantly, immature and genetically abnormal cells start accumulating in the colon, eventually resulting in the formation of polyps. This article intends to raise awareness about colon polyps, its types, symptoms, diagnosis, the colon polyps – causes, and more. What are the types of colon polyps? Inflammatory colon polyps : Also known as false polyps, it is mostly found in people who have inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. These polyps are inflammatory manifestations of IBD, are benign, and are unlikely to become cancerous. Adenomatous colon polyps : Also known as adenomas, this type of colon polyps make up about 70% of all polyps found in the colon. They can become cancerous, but the process takes years. Hyperplastic colon polyps : The term hyperplasia means fast growth, which indicates an abnormal increase in the number of cells resulting in the gross enlargement of the colon polyp. Despite the rapid growth, hyperplastic polyps have a low risk of turning cancerous. Villous adenoma : This type of colon polyp has a greater potential of becoming cancerous. It is estimated that approximately 30 percent of villous adenomas develop into a malignancy. These polyps require surgery for the removal of their cauliflower-like protrusions. What are the causes of colon polyps? Experts are not sure about the colon polyps – causes. However, the causes are believed to be a mix of environmental and genetic factors that result in an abnormal tissue growth. What are the known risk factors of colon polyps? Age : The risk of developing colon polyps tends to increase with age. Family history : A close relative with colon cancer or polyps raises the risk. Sex : Men have a slightly higher chance of developing polyps. Race : Black men and women have a higher risk. Alcohol : Alcohol consumption is closely linked to colon cancer risk and is known as one of the colon polyps – causes. Red meat : If not had in moderation, red meat can serve as one of the colon polyps – causes. Having too much red meat increases the risk of colorectal cancer as well. Lack of dietary fiber : A good intake of fiber has many benefits, including colon benefits. It decreases the risk of colon cancer. Smoking : Smoking increases the risk of all types of cancers, and colon polyps or cancer is no exception. Obesity : Obese people are at higher risk of developing colon polyps and cancer. How are colonic polyps diagnosed? The following tests help diagnose colon polyps: Colonoscopy Sigmoidoscopy Barium enema CT colonography Stool test What are the symptoms of colon polyps? Change in stool color Rectal bleeding Iron deficiency Anemia Change in bowel habits Abdominal pain Blood in the stool Fatigue How common are colon polyps? They are very common. They increase in prevalence as people age. If one has colon polyps, they are more likely to develop polyps elsewhere in the colon later. Only a small proportion of polyps cause symptoms or signs, which usually are the result of bleeding from the polyp. How can colon polyps be prevented? Adopt healthy habits : Adopt healthy habits and increase the intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit fat intake, alcohol consumption, and quit tobacco. Stay physically active and maintain a healthy weight. Avoid all the estimated colon polyps – causes. Seek advice if at high risk : If there’s a family history of colon polyps or its other risk factors affect one, seeking prompt medical advice and counseling is important. With regular colonoscopies, one can prevent the colon polyps – causes from developing, and hence preventing the colon from developing.

Carcinoid Neuroendocrine Tumors – Prognosis And Life Expectancy

Carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors – Prognosis and life expectancy The neuroendocrine system is a complex regulatory mechanism comprised of cells spread throughout several organ systems, including our lungs and digestive system. As they have characteristics of both nerves and endocrine cells, they are called neuroendocrine cells. The nerve cells transmit signals using electrical impulses, whereas endocrine cells make thyroid and insulin-secreting glands. This article intends to discuss the carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor that starts in these cells in detail. What is a carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor? A carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor starts in the cells of the hormone-producing organs in our body. A carcinoid tumor is a type of neuroendocrine tumor that most commonly arises in the gastrointestinal system, which includes intestines, stomach, and esophagus. Carcinoid tumors account for about 1% to 2% of lung cancers. As carcinoid tumors originate from tissue that produces hormones, the main side effect of the condition is the inappropriate release of various hormones in the bloodstream. Carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor can arise in a number of locations categorized into three areas: the foregut, midgut, and hindgut. Lungs and stomach form the foregut area. The midgut comprises of the small intestine, colon, and appendix. The hindgut includes the end of the large bowel, the rectum, and genitourinary tract organs (ovaries and testes). What factors raise a person’s risk of developing a carcinoid tumor? A family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 : This hereditary condition increases an individual’s risk of developing tumors in the pituitary gland, pancreas, and parathyroid gland. Age : Age seems to be a major factor that plays an integral role, as children rarely develop carcinoid tumors; the average diagnosis age is 55 to 65 years for this condition. Race and gender : Carcinoid tumors are more common among black people than white people, and black men have a higher risk than black women. White men and women have the same risk levels, and after treatment, women tend to live longer. Other medical conditions : Some medical conditions that damage the stomach and reduce acid production increase the risk of developing a carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor. What are the symptoms of a carcinoid tumor? Signs and symptoms of a carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor depend on where the tumor develops: Carcinoid tumors in the lungs : The symptoms of a tumor in the lungs are chest pain, wheezing, diarrhea, shortness of breath, skin flushing (redness and a feeling of warmth on the face and neck), weight gain, particularly around the midsection and back, and pink or purple marks on the skin, which look like stretch marks. Carcinoid tumors in the digestive tract : The symptoms, in this case, are abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, intestinal blockage, causing an inability to pass stool, rectal bleeding and pain, and skin flushing. What are some effective management tips for the symptoms of carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors? Facial flushing : Avoid stress and ask your doctor about specific foods that cause facial flushing so that you can avoid them. Diarrhea : Ask your doctor for anti-diarrheal medication. Wheezing : Ask for medication that relaxes muscles in the lungs to make breathing easier. Heart problems : Discuss your heart issues with your doctor so that they can prescribe diuretics, which lower the blood pressure. Carcinoid syndrome : Use octreotide on prescription, which is the most effective medication to treat carcinoid syndrome. What is the prognosis for carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor? Carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign carcinoid tumors are small and can be removed completely. They don’t come back and don’t spread to other parts of the body. They don’t produce any symptoms as well. Malignant carcinoid tumors are large, and their cells can invade and damage the surrounding tissues and organs. Additionally, malignant cells can enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system and can even form new tumors in other parts of the body. Lymph nodes, lungs, bone liver, and skin are the common sites for carcinoid metastases. Carcinoid tumors grow slowly in comparison to other cancers, such as lung, colon, pancreas, or liver cancer. Patients with larger malignant carcinoid tumors (with or without metastasis) can survive and have a good quality of life after proper treatment. Adenocarcinoids, a rare form of carcinoid tumors, are more aggressive than the typical malignant carcinoid tumors.

What Are The First Signs Of Liver Damage

Liver damage – What are the first signs? On the right side of the abdomen, below your rib cage, is an organ called the liver. It is the size of a football and is one of the most important organs in the human body. The liver aids in the digestion of the food we eat and also helps in flushing out the toxins from our body. When there is any kind of disturbance in the normal liver functioning, then it can cause a significant damage to the human body. Once you start exhibiting the signs of liver damage, it is important to get the exact diagnosis and take the next steps accordingly. What are the causes of liver damage? There can be a number of causes for liver damage: Liver infection is one of the most common causes of liver damage. Viruses and parasites can cause infections that affect the normal functioning of the liver. Hepatitis is the most common liver infection, which includes Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. Some diseases will affect your immune system thereby damaging your liver too. This is called autoimmune hepatitis. Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and Primary Biliary Cirrhosis are of the same kind. If you have inherited an abnormal gene from any of your parents or family members, it can lead to a build up of various substances in the body and hence can damage the liver. Build up of liver cancer can be a cause. A person who is an alcohol addict is more prone to liver damage. What are the first signs of liver damage? There can be several signs of a liver damage. Here are 10 signs of liver damage that you need to pay attention to: Your eyes and skin turning yellow, which is usually a sign of jaundice. Abdominal swelling and pain are also symptoms of liver damage that you should watch out. Your ankles and legs begin to swell.. Your urine becomes dark yellow in color. There can be many reasons for dark yellow urine, but it can also be a sign of liver damage. Excessively itchy skin is also a symptom of liver damage. Loss of appetite. Getting bruises easily as your liver fails to create proteins needed for blood clotting. Vomiting and nausea for no reason. Blood in the stool or pale stool. Chronic fatigue. How is liver damage diagnosed? In order to get started with the liver damage treatment, it is very important to diagnose the symptoms of liver damage correctly. In order to start the diagnoses, your doctor will start with a physical examination, followed by requesting details of your health history. Liver function tests, which are blood tests will be done at the initial stage. MRI Scan and CT scan kind of image tests are done. Tissue analysis is also done to get an accurate idea of the problem . How is liver damage treated? The treatment for the liver damage depends on the type and severity of damage. Some stages can be treated with just slight modifications to the diet and lifestyle like weight reduction, no smoking or alcohol. Further stages will require medication and severe condition will need a surgery. If your liver has failed completely, then you will have to go for a liver transplant, which is an expensive and time consuming process. How can liver damage be prevented? Certain changes in your lifestyle can prevent liver damage. You need to stop drinking alcohol or only drink a moderate amount to decrease pressure on your liver. Get vaccinated to prevent getting hepatitis infections. When you are spraying insecticides or other aerosol sprays, make sure that you cover your nose and also make sure to protect your skin. You need to maintain a healthy weight as there are chances of fatty liver damage as well. You should take only medicine that is prescribed to you and make sure that you do not take any medicine in excess or without talking to your doctor.

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Featured Articles

An Overview Of Colon Polyps

The Types Of Colon Polyps And Their Prevention

Carcinoid Neuroendocrine Tumors – Prognosis And Life Expectancy

What Are The First Signs Of Liver Damage